Press Conference «Barys – Neftekhimik» 11/3/2025
03.11.2025
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 5–2 win over Barys.
– We played two games against Barys in such a short period of time. The opposing team was looking for revenge for the loss in Nizhnekamsk, and it was obvious. They were in complete control of the game early on. Thankfully, we did not concede a goal that time; we played well defensively. We scored a quick goal in the second period, then capitalized on the power play. True, after two goals, we conceded a quick goal. But the guys reacted well to the goal, scoring another goal. Overall, unlike last game, we played well on the power play. I think that was the key moment of the game.– Did you try to play the same way today as you did in the last game against Barys?
– We try to stick to one game plan. Yes, we have to adjust as the game progresses; that's inevitable. But the mindset and goal for today's game was the same, ypu know, we nedeed a good movement, counterattacks, and as much possesion of the puck as possible. We didn't do anything new.
– How would you rate the team's performance and its standings ?
– To be honest, I haven't looked at the standings in a while. I don't follow other teams' standings either. We take it game by game. The main thing is for the team to play well, because then the results will come.
– What about the team's momentum? You were at the top of the standings at the start of the season, and now you're alternating wins and losses...
– I think that's okay. Many teams in the league are in a similar situation. The KHL is the best league in the country; it's impossible to predict how any given game will end, because every team can put up a fight. Of course, putting together a winning streak like Ak Bars' is very difficult. The main thing is that we don't have a losing streak.
– How would you rate Ivan Nikolishin's performance?
– This is Ivan's second game as Neftekhimik player. If I'm not mistaken, he only had one practice before his previous game for the "pack." We understand he's not in the best shape right now. But still, he played well on the penalty kill today, did a great job on the faceoff. And, as a little bonus, he scored a goal in the third period. I think he played at a decent level.
